One of the UK's most respected cultural commentators offers a timely analysis of this burning question, exposing the shallow assumptions on either side of current debate

Are the world’s major spiritual traditions sources of greater discord than harmony? Or are conflicts widely blamed on faith differences fundamentally social and political? In this succinct but richly reflective book, Rupert Shortt offers even-handed guidance on one of the most disputed questions of our time. Among much else he sheds light on the contrast between good and bad religion, and on why the distinction is of urgent relevance in an era increasingly described as post-secular.

"Argued with elegance and authority . . . refreshing and highly enjoyable" - Melvyn Bragg

"An admirably concise, thoughtful and fair discussion of the virtues and vices of a religious society." - Professor Iain McGilchrist, consultant psychiatrist and author of The Master and His Emissary

"I love this book. It demolishes fashionable atheists who claim religion only does harm. It criticises extremists of all faiths who promote hatred and violence in the name of religion, and it praises, with caveats, those who seek meaning in their lives within a community, find something in the transcendent, and want to make the world a better place." - Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE

"Shortt is one of the UK's most thoughtful and self-effacing religious commentators" - Michael Barnes, Professor of Interreligious Relations at Heythrop College, University of London.

"Are the world's major religions forces for good or harm? Rupert Shortt provides a fascinating and enlightening discussion, summarising key arguments on both sides, with a much-needed appeal for a deeper conversation about religion and secularism." - Imam Dr Usama Hasan, Head of Islamic Studies, Quilliam International

"A triumph of ambition and concision." - Lucy Beckett, author of In the Light of Christ: Writings in the Western Tradition